Who We Are

The National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) is the national voice of Canada’s regulated career college sector. We represent public and private career colleges that deliver practical, career-focused education designed to help learners move quickly into meaningful employment.

Our members specialize in hands-on training aligned with real labour market needs, offering programs that are flexible, responsive, and rooted in workforce outcomes. Together, we support learners at all stages of life, from recent graduates to career-changers and those re-entering the workforce.

NACC works at the intersection of education, employment, and public policy, ensuring that career colleges are recognized as a vital part of Canada’s post-secondary ecosystem.

Our History

NNACC’s roots extend back more than a century, reflecting the long-standing role of career education in Canada.

Founded in 1896 as the Business Educators Association, the organization brought together private business educators from across the country. In 1964, it was federally incorporated as a not-for-profit association, and in 1991 it became the National Association of Career Colleges to reflect its growing national scope.

Over time, NACC has evolved alongside the sector it represents, expanding its focus to include advocacy, quality assurance, and national leadership on skills development and workforce readiness.

What We Do

We enhance the reputation of our members and bring value to them and their students with a focus-driven approach based on addressing the needs of Canada’s labour force through advocacy with government and supporting colleges in curriculum services.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be the recognized and respected advocate for Regulated Career Colleges across Canada.

NACC is involved in a number of activities that support the career college industry and specifically its members and their students. Here are a few of the current activities that we are involved in:

NACC Curriculum and Examination Service: We develop and offer curriculum packages to members who are committed to maintaining the program standards set by NACC. There are currently six programs available:

  • Early Childhood Assistant Program
  • Esthetics Program
  • Personal Support Worker Program
  • Personal Support Worker Bridging Program
  • Personal Support Worker Distance Education Program
  • Home Support Worker Program

For more information on our curriculum, please contact Doris Jeanne MacKinnon, Director of Education and Development at djmackinnon@nacc.ca

Each year NACC holds a conference for all of its members. The conference brings together industry leaders to share and learn about the latest innovations and effective practices in education. Sessions are also held to discuss a number of topics such as:

  • Media Relations
  • Government policy
  • Accreditation programs

Industry Representation

We continually work with the Federal government to represent career colleges on different levels. NACC has and will continue to work on projects and attend meetings such as:

  • Representing career colleges in front of parliamentary committees
  • Meeting with elected officials and public servants
  • Participating in meetings with the Educator Engagement Steering Committee

Government Relations

NACC has taken a proactive stance on issues that affect its members. To ensure that our members’ interests are voiced to the government, NACC undertakes the following:

  • Engages with key government officials so that NACC’s message is heard and understood
  • Closely monitors government actions related to education and specifically career colleges
  • Positions NACC to be able to quickly respond to questions from the media and government